Empowering entrepreneurs to shape solutions that boost Egyptian tourism and rural livelihoods
Launched by TUI Care Foundation and enpact, the ETENA programme focuses on supporting 100 aspiring entrepreneurs and 10 startup founders in tourism and tourism supply chains across Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, providing them with tailored business development support and financial backing opportunities through four phases of key activities: Idea Marathon, 2-month Pre-incubator, 6-month Incubator, and a regional 3-month Accelerator.
In its Ideation phase, the Empowering Tourism Ecosystems in North Africa (ETENA) programme aims to empower 25 teams of future entrepreneurs who have digital ideas in tourism in Egypt with tailored business development support. The purpose is to help them develop concepts for innovative solutions that can promote local experiences, drive job creation, and by extension, create inclusive social impact.
Stage 1: Idea Marathon
Through a nationwide open call for applications, 25 teams will be selected to join the ETENA Idea Marathon and receive training and resources to facilitate rapid ideation.
Stage 2: Pre-incubation
Through the ETENA Idea Marathon, 12 teams will be selected to receive two months of training, access to workstations and comprehensive support to conceptualise and prototype their ideas.
By the conclusion of Stage 2, ETENA’s 6-month incubator will launch with 4 teams, each receiving access to tailored training, dedicated mentoring, and direct financial support of 500 Euros per month, along with permanent access to workstations at the enpact hub in Zamalek.
How does it work?
Take a look through the steps to find out what to expect from the ETENA Idea Marathon and how to prepare.
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Join the ETENA network
By signing up for the ETENA programme’s network, you will receive industry insights, invitations to regular networking events, and access to a global network of regional and international experts.
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Review the challenges and criteria
Read the announced challenges in the call for ideas carefully, and review the eligibility criteria and requirements. We advise downloading this document for easy reference.
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Prepare the needed information
We advise you to go through the application form once before applying. You will need to prepare a scan of your national ID, your CV/Resume, and a brief of your digital idea as you apply.
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Fill out the application form
Complete the application form; please note that this is the only way for us to be able to consider your application, as we don’t accept submissions by e-mail or other formats. If you need support with filling in the form, please feel free to reach out to shc@enpact.org
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Check your e-mail
You will receive an email with the status of your application within three weeks. The email will notify you whether you have been accepted into the programme. Please also remember to check your spam folder.
Who can apply for the ETENA Idea Marathon?
We’re on the lookout for teams of aspiring entrepreneurs who:
- consist of two or three members (including the team leader).
- have an innovative idea for the development of rural tourism & communities in Egypt.
- graduated or is currently enrolled in an Egyptian or internationally recognised university.
To qualify for the programme’s initial phase — the ETENA Marathon – your team should submit an idea that:
- is tackling the announced focus challenge directly or indirectly,
- is innovative or with disruptive characteristics that do not exist in the market,
- has the potential to be scaled up and marketed commercially,
- has the potential to generate social and economic impact within local communities.
In order to be selected through the ETENA Marathon for the following phases, individuals must fulfil all the eligibility criteria listed above. They should also:
- legally reside in Egypt (including permission to gainful employment).
- have an entrepreneurial mindset.
- be available to commit to developing and commercialising their solution.
Teams that foster diversity and aim to create sustainable social, economic and/or ecological impact through their solutions are given priority in the selection process. This priority aligns with our dedicated focus on promoting inclusion, gender equality and sustainable practices.
Applications close on 11th October, 1:59 pm (CET). If you have already submitted an application, please keep an eye on your email this month; we will be reaching out to you regarding your application status.
You can always email us at shc@enpact.org to receive support with your application within 24 hours of your request. Please note that this is the only official support channel for the ETENA programme and the only way to guarantee a timely response.
